Now, this is what Michigan fans thought they were getting when Rich Rodriguez brought his spread offense from Morgantown to Ann Arbor three years ago. Behind electrifying quarterback Denard Robinson, UM took a solid team in UConn behind the woodshed Saturday in it’s opening game of the 2010 season. Michigan pounded UConn 30-10 to start the season on the right note.

Robinson, evoking the image of former Rich Rod quarterback Pat White, ran for a school record 197 yards and threw for another 186. I guess UM does have a starting QB after-all. While it’s only one game, Robinson showed UM fans that this offense can be lights out with the right trigger man. He completed 19 of 22 passes and ran over and around the UConn defense in a terrific performance. While the national media will run with the story about Robinson playing with his shoes untied, the most important thing is that he is now the unquestioned starter at the most important position on the field for a team that needs a leader. With his performance on Saturday, Robinson is that man for this squad.

Maybe more important that Robinson’s performance was the showing of the UM defense. Much maligned for much of the last two years, Michigan’s defense showed up big on Saturday and held a decent UConn offense to 10 points. While UConn still piled up some yards, the defense kept points off the board and gave it’s offense the a chance to score some points. This was a huge confidence builder for a very young defense. We’ll see how this helps them going forward.

With the opener behind them, UM now turns it’s focus to Notre Dame. This is a HUGE game for the Wolverines. If they can go into South Bend and get a W against the golden domers, they could be looking at a 5-0 start. However, Brian Kelly and Touchdown Jesus will be ready. I will be back on Thursday to preview that game and make fun of Notre Dame.